The REXUS 6 rocket carrying the NISSE experiment was launched from Esrange Space Centre, Kiruna, Sweden on Thursday 12 Mar, 2009 at 10:08 UT.
Before eight in the morning the helicopter scanned the impact area for human beings. The wind balloons were launched for the trajectory calculation of the rocket. The sirens started and the radio silence was announced. To keep the excitement high, the EISCAT UHF radar did not start properly at first. But an hour before the launch everything was ready, and by using the calculated nominal trajectory file the EISCAT UHF was redirected, pointing at the expected water release position. It was a textbook launch (See YouTube: REXUS 6 launch). Blue sky and no wind made the launch conditions perfect. With a total rocket weight of 551 kg the payload was flown up to 89 km over ground.
The NISSE experiment was partially successful, the water unfortunately did not eject but the structure could withstand the forces during the flight. In addition, the temperature and the pressure inside the tank were measured during the entire countdown and during the flight. The team is currently investigating the payload.
We thank all who has contributed and supported the NISSE experiment and provided this unique opportunity for us to prepare and fly an own scientific experiment into space.
